Worst to First?: Johnson#48's Albuquerque Atoms (Backbreaker)

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[Johnson#48]

Can a mod please change the thread title to Worst to First?: Johnson#48's Oklahoma Stampede (Backbreaker)


Season Preview

The League Tribune's Scott Smith looks at some of the teams that are sure to make the headlines over the course of the coming season.


Division 1


Charlotte Yellowjackets


For every team fighting to rise to the ranks of Division 1 there’s one fighting to stay up. The Yellowjackets have dropped in recent years due to a weakening O-Line and a new Quarterback. Now their main aim is simply to avoid relegation and rebuild their team to be bigger contenders.

Strengths: Despite recent troubles, the Yellowjackets aren’t a pushover by any means. They boast an impressive defensive backfield as well as stable Linebackers. Domenic Gregg at Runningback has used his impressive talents to help keep the Yellowjackets’ offense going in tough times.

Weaknesses: Charlotte’s O-Line is definitely one of the weakest in Division 1. Quarterback Trey Pace might have more luck in passing to his receivers if he could have a little more time in the pocket.



Arizona Assassins –

The Assassins are one of the more mixed teams in Division 1. After being promoted up from Division 2, the Assassins spent a number of years floating round the middle of the division. Only now are they really making a concerted push to reach the top of the league.

Strengths: Arizona are often considered to be one of the best 3-4 defenses in Division 1, thanks to the dominating line play of Wendell Emmons at Nose. Along with good runningbacks and some decent wide receivers, this makes the Assassins a team to be respected.

Weaknesses: Mark Sturdy at Quarterback has been seen as a potential weak link for some time now. Whilst not a ‘bad’ QB, there are many who doubt his ability to raise the team to the ranks of Division 1 elite.




New England Militia

Another team that regularly sits among the top flight of Division 1, the Militia have worked long and hard to get to where they are today. James Ashmore at QB is regularly listed as one of the League’s top passers. A lot of his success, however, is down to the Militia’s star Wideout Ronde Masso. Since joining the team, Masso has become one of the most feared offensive weapons in the league. His great speed and sure hands mean that he’s only ever one step away from making a big play.

Strengths: One of the best offenses in the League today. A powerful passing game supported by strong running when needed. It takes a lot of defense to stop the Militia.

Weaknesses: Though the pressure is often taken off the Defense by the offensive unit, there are some weaknesses there. On the line, Adan Lester at RE has been identified as a potential weak link.


Cincinnati Hogs

For a long time the Hogs were one of two Ohio teams in Division 1, but since their local rivals the Blitz have fallen on hard times, they’re the lone representatives of the state in Division 1. Their star player is Chad Lewis at Wide Receiver, who consistently posts huge season stats in Yards After catch due to his imposing strength and lightning speed.

Strengths: A good all round team on both offense and defense, who look to Lewis to provide that game changing play.

Weaknesses: Though the defense is far from the worst in the league, weak play from the safeties sometimes allows opposing offenses make big plays just when they need a stop.



New Jersey Pirates

The New Jersey Pirates are one of the oldest teams in the league, and have at various times called all three divisions home. For now they are sitting comfortably in Division 1, due in part to the presence of German Casey, RB. Considered by many to be one of the most agile backs in the league, Casey takes the Pirates offense to a new level, and helps their running game match their already strong defense.

Strengths: Strong defense mixed with a strong running game helps the Pirates control the clock and restrict opposing offenses.

Weaknesses: The Pirates passing game is one of the weaker in Division 1. Grant Harper is not an elite talent, nor does he have much support from the Receiving corps. Casey is good, but he often finds himself carrying his entire offense with him.


Baltimore Cannons

A recent addition to Division 1, the Cannons have struggled to make their mark in the big league. They have one of the toughest defenses out there led by Sawyer Ralph, perhaps the most feared shutdown corner in the game. Yet their average offense has let them down on more than one occasion, and has stopped the Cannons from proving that they’re more than just pretenders.

Strengths: Ask any receiver in the league who they hate to line up against, and Sawyer will top a lot of lists. He’s just the worst of many threats in the Cannons’ defensive backfield.

Weaknesses: They lack a real superstar player on offense, which can really hurt them when going up against the bigger teams of Division 1.



Tampa Bay Tigers

They say success starts in the trenches, and the Tigers are the proof. Tampa Bay have one of the strongest Defensive lines in Division 1, built around the imposing figure of Lucien Champion at DT. Known for his huge strength and great awareness, Champion made his name by setting the single season sack record with 20 takedowns.

Strengths: With such a strong defensive line, the Tigers are hard to run against and can put a lot of pressure on any passer that can’t get the ball out quickly.

Weaknesses: Tampa Bay’s main weakness is their offense. With a lack of options at Receiver and average running backs, the Tigers often have to lean on their defense to win games. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.


Phoenix Inferno

The Inferno are known as a good defensive side, they’ve sat steady in Division 1 for quite some time. Their main stand-out player is Travon Park at Cornerback, who is well known for his unnerving ability to read an opposing QB. On offense, Kieran Wheeler is an extremely talented receiver who suffers from having a somewhat average QB throwing to him in the form of Miles Serrano.

Strengths: The Phoenix Defense is tough to beat, especially with Park waiting in the background as a shutdown corner.

Weaknesses: Serrano isn’t the only the weakness in the offense. The Inferno often lacks the running game to really control the clock when things get tough on the field.




New Orleans Settlers

When it comes to the Boys from the Bayou, it’s a tale of two lines. The Settlers have a very strong offensive line that defenses around the league have learnt to respect. This line gives time for the Settlers’ passing game to get rolling, especially when Allan Walton at Tight End is thrown into the mix. Their defensive line on the other hand is much weaker, which can often leave them exposed against their Division 1 rivals.

Strengths: The Settlers’ have an offense that can pick apart many teams, if given the time to do so.

Weaknesses: The defensive line can sometimes be a liability, especially against some of the more dominating offenses in Division 1.


Dallas Spectres

Dallas has had a tough time holding its own in Division 1, but with the addition Timmy Overton at Running Back, the team has made a climb back into contention. A real workhorse, Overton fights for every single yard. The Spectres are hoping to make a return to the top flight of Division 1 sooner rather than later.

Strengths: Opposing defenders know that if you give Overton a chance he’ll run all over you. The Spectres running back knows how to control the pace of a game and can put up yards and points on some of the best defenses in the league.

Weaknesses: The Spectres passing game has been a lot more hit and miss than their running. Sheldon Lowtax at QB has been inconsistent throughout his whole playing career. It’s often said that if Dallas could lean more on their passing game for a more balanced offense, they’d be a force to be reckoned with.



Division 2



Columbia Colonels

Another team looking to make the leap to primetime is the Columbia Colonels. This Division 2 team from Carolina has often shown a lot of promise, but has never quite made that last step up. With a solid defense built around Linebacker Craig Swanson, they can hold their own against some pretty tough opposition, even if their offense can sometimes fail to fire on all cylinders.

Strengths: The colonels have a tough defense with an especially strong Linebacker corps, supported by reliable players in the secondary.

Weaknesses: Columbia’s Quarterback has often come in for criticism. Whilst no one could argue he isn’t strong and tough, he’s also not particularly quick on his feet. He’s taken a few pretty painful sacks as a result.



Michigan Tanks

As one of the teams striving to make that final step up to the levels of Division 1, the Tanks are one of the stronger teams in Division 2 . The defense is lead by Dawson Sparks at outside Linebacker, though he’s just one man in a backfield stacked with talent. It’s been said that if the Tanks could build up their options on offense, they could be real contenders for promotion.

Strengths: The Tanks defense is truly impressive for a Division 2 team. It alone keeps them in contention for promotion to Division 1.

Weaknesses: Apart from occasional breakthroughs with their running game, the Tanks’ offense doesn’t compare to their defense. It’s the one thing that has been holding them back from their ambitions.


Cleveland Kings –

Having spent most of their existence as the ‘Memphis Delta Kings’, the team moved northwards in a particularly bitter relocation. After a number of unsettled years moving up and down between the divisions, the Cleveland Kings are still trying to find their formula for success.

Strengths: In terms of individual talent, the Kings aren’t lacking. The big star is Cecil Ayirebi at Wide Receiver, though the team also has a decent defensive and offensive backfield.

Weaknesses: While the team has talent on both sides of the ball, Cleveland’s foundations are weak. Their lines leave a lot to be desired, especially O-Line.



Anaheim Thrashers

The Thrashers have always been known for one thing – tough defense. The team’s star player is Armando Britton at Safety. He leads one of the most feared defensive backfields in Backbreaker football. A hard-hitting ballhawk, Britton has made many receivers regret stretching out to grab that football.

Strengths: The Thrashers’ defensive backfield, combined with a strong group of Linebackers make the defensive unit a force to be reckoned with. On offense, Terrence Malloy is the engine of the Anaheim offense.


San Jose Coyotes

This California-based team is generally considered to be one of the most well rounded teams in Division 3. They always give a strong performance, though have only rarely been in contention for promotion. A balanced offense and a strong defense help the San Jose Coyotes keep pace with their middle-league rivals.

Strengths: The star of the team is Francisco Conner, one of the best Cornerbacks in Division 3, though he is really only the best out of an impressive range of defensive talent. A fairly balanced offense helps them to stay competitive.

Weaknesses: If San Jose is weak anywhere then it’s in the trenches; neither the offensive nor defensive lines are the strongest in the game, and both can sometimes found themselves outmatched against strongeropponents.

Weaknesses: The Thrashers’ passing game leaves something to be desired. Lee Allington at Quarterback can’t always take advantage of his receiving corps. Some have suggested a change of passer could easily see the Thrashers ascend to Division 1.


Columbus Blitz – Division 2

The Blitz have recently fallen on hard times, despite having once been one of the top teams in Division 1. Match-ups between the Blitz and their long time State rivals the Cincinnati Hogs used to be one of the highlights of the sporting calendar. As it stands now a weak O-Line hinders what used to be a formidable offense.

Strengths: The Blitz defense looks largely unchanged from the glory days and is one of the best defensive units in the middle league by far. Emerson Beau at Runningback is still a force to be reckoned with as is Receiver Jon Hornsby whenever he gets a chance.

Weaknesses: The Blitz O-Line used to be feared throughout Division 1, but many of their star players have since moved on. Columbus’ passing game suffers the most from the lack of O-Line protection, though the effects are felt throughout the offense.


Birmingham Irons – Division 2

They say offense wins games, but defense wins championships. This might explain why the Irons have struggled to reach the big league, despite having some impressive talent on the roster. An offense built around a decent passing game and the impressive talents of Rob Savage at Runningback is counteracted by a consistently underachieving defense.

Strengths: The Irons have a fairly balanced offense that can do a lot of damage to opponents. Savage is the main threat, eating up big yards and controlling the clock. Yet the Irons’ passing game has to be respected, with Mike Raney a reliable figure under Center.

Weaknesses: Birmingham is known for having a very weak D-Line and equally weak Linebackers. Decent DBs stop the Irons from being a complete defensive disaster, but other teams know that there are definitely yards and points to be taken from them.


Division 3

Portland Tomahawks

A relatively new franchise in Backbreaker football, the Tomahawks are still looking to make their mark. Their offense has benefited from the emergence of their young star talent; Derrick Shipley at Runningback. Many see him moving up to another league soon, even if he doesn’t take his team with him. Shipley, on the other hand denies a potential move, and says that Portland is where he’s planning to stay.

Strengths: Shipley currently the guy carrying the Portland offense single-handed. He’s also proving a draw for the fans, helping this new franchise out immensely. The Portland defensive backfield also deserves some praise, with a few tough players out in that secondary.

Weaknesses: On the offensive side of the ball, Luke Padilla at Quarterback has not helped his team to cement its position in the league. Not particularly fast at making reads, nor very agile, opposing defenses often take advantage of the man stood behind the Tomahawk’s Center.

Nashville Guardians

Another relatively new team, Nashville has managed to survive its turbulent first few years of existence, though it has yet to make a real push for promotion. The team has focused on building up its talent base, with Tight End Nicolas Moen being perhaps the best addition in recent years.

Strengths: Moen has steady hands as a receiver, but he’s also a great Pass-Blocker, helping to make up for some of the deficiencies in the rest of the offensive line. Runningback Warren Santos has also been an asset to the team, helping the Guardians make those tough yards when needed.

Weaknesses: The Guardians O-Line is pretty weak, which doesn’t help Darian Lockett control the passing game. A one dimensional offense, mixed with an average defense is one of the things holding Nashville back.



Oklahoma Stampede

While Division 3 is definitely low on prestige, it still gets a lot of attention for those looking for new young talent. Oklahoma’s Dru Jackson is just such a player. While he’s not at an elite level just yet, he has already proven himself one of the best young players in Division 3.

Strengths: Jackson, flanked by talented receivers on either side, has made a huge impact for the team, especially against some of the weaker defenses in Division 3.

Weaknesses: While the team definitely has some playmakers, it is still one of the weakest teams in the league overall. There’s a lot of work to be done before they start that long climb to Division 1.